Building on shifting sand never a good idea

The sands of our barrier islands have been shifting since their formation after the last ice age. I expect that they will still be shifting for the foreseeable future. I do not want to see shifty people throwing tax money at this shifting problem.

The sands of our barrier islands have been shifting since their formation after the last ice age. I expect that they will still be shifting for the foreseeable future. I do not want to see shifty people throwing tax money at this shifting problem.

It was the North Carolina House that put the reasonable teeth into this issue last time and there remains good cause to oppose bad ideas — of which groins remain on the far side.

The House properly and conservatively established that private “groin benefit” not damage the public trust or cost public dollars.

The bill could not be quashed, but it could be made to come closer to responsible.

Being responsible is what I pray the House does again.

At least in the case of sea level rise — for which I accept the science — the various facts and opinions are freely available so those making investments can interpret the data as they choose. Taxpayers are not on the hook.

In the case of groins and SB151, taxpayers are on the hook whether or not it works; needs additional millions in fixes; or sea level rises or falls. Even the Bible addresses building houses on shifting sand. Not a good idea.

People have paid unexpected prices for ignoring this truth — as in New Jersey with Hurricane Sandy.

Public policy contorted to reward building on shifting sands will not stand the tests of God, man, nature or time.